Information processing system, communication device, and processing method

Abstract

The information processing system, communication device, and processing method disclosed herein solve the technical problem that the transmission of information using code images during wireless setup can be burdensome for users when the distance from the user's location to the wirelessly connected device is long. The communication device disclosed herein includes: a WF wireless communication unit that communicates according to a first wireless communication standard; a BT wireless communication unit that communicates according to a second wireless communication standard; a UI (printing) unit that displays information; a determination unit that determines whether the strength of a signal received from a terminal device is above a predetermined threshold; and a wireless setup unit that, when determined to be above the threshold, causes the UI (printing) unit to display predetermined information, and when determined to be below the threshold, causes the BT wireless communication unit to transmit the predetermined information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing system, a communication device, and a processing method. Background Technology

[0002] A feature known as Wi-Fi Easy Connect (registered trademark), developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, is described. This feature involves a device called a Configurator providing access point information to a device called an Enrollee, based on the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP). The Enrollee, having obtained the access point information, is then able to establish a wireless connection with the access point.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses the following: DPP is used to enable the printing apparatus to wirelessly connect to the access point.

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, during bootstrapping, which is implemented as the initial stage of DPP, the printing device displays a code image (specifically, a QR code (registered trademark)) on a display unit. The terminal device reads this code image by operating the device, thereby providing information such as a public key from the printing device (as a participant) to the terminal device (as a configurator). Another method for providing the public key from the participant to the configurator during bootstrapping is to use communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. However, in the case of information transmission based on Bluetooth communication, the process is advanced by information transmission via invisible radio waves, so the user is unaware of the progress. Therefore, it is sometimes preferable to implement information transmission by reading the code image, which requires user intervention. Furthermore, with the recent proliferation of QR codes, the opportunity for users to photograph QR codes using smartphones is increasing. Therefore, since users are familiar with photographing QR codes, information transmission implemented by the code image is also preferred from a user-friendly perspective.

[0005] However, in the case of information transmission implemented by reading code images, the user needs to carry the terminal device and move to the vicinity of the device being connected in order to read the code image. Therefore, if the distance from the user's location to the device to which the wireless connection is being set is long, the user must make a lot of movement. Thus, in such cases, the need for information transmission using code images during wireless setup presents a problem of burdening the user.

[0006] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-205021. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The information processing system disclosed herein includes: a communication device; and a terminal device carried by a user and transmitting signals according to a prescribed wireless communication standard based on instructions from the user.

[0008] The communication device includes: a first wireless communication unit that communicates according to a first wireless communication standard; a second wireless communication unit that communicates according to a second wireless communication standard, which is the predetermined wireless communication standard; a prompting unit that prompts information; a determination unit that determines whether the strength of the signal received by the second wireless communication unit from the terminal device is above a predetermined threshold; and a wireless setting unit that, when determined to be above the threshold, causes the prompting unit to prompt predetermined information, and when determined to be below the threshold, causes the second wireless communication unit to transmit the predetermined information. The specified information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication in accordance with a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device. The access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

[0009] The communication device disclosed herein includes: a first wireless communication unit that communicates according to a first wireless communication standard; a second wireless communication unit that communicates according to a second wireless communication standard; a prompting unit that prompts information; a determination unit that determines whether the strength of a signal received by the second wireless communication unit from a terminal device carried by a user is above a predetermined threshold; and a wireless setting unit that, when determined to be above the threshold, causes the prompting unit to prompt predetermined information, and when determined to be below the threshold, causes the second wireless communication unit to send the predetermined information, wherein the predetermined information is information required to be provided to the terminal device in order to initiate communication according to a predetermined communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device, wherein the access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

[0010] In the processing method disclosed herein, a communication device comprising a first wireless communication unit communicating according to a first wireless communication standard, a second wireless communication unit communicating according to a second wireless communication standard, and a prompting unit for prompting information performs the following processing: determining whether the strength of a signal received by the second wireless communication unit from a terminal device carried by a user is above a predetermined threshold; if the strength is determined to be above the threshold, causing the prompting unit to prompt predetermined information; and if the strength is determined to be below the threshold, causing the second wireless communication unit to send the predetermined information. The predetermined information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order to enable the terminal device to begin communication according to a predetermined communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device. The access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example structure of an information processing system that includes communication devices and terminal devices.

[0012] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a communication device.

[0013] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a terminal device.

[0014] Figure 4 A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process flow up to the point where bootstrapping information is provided.

[0015] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the process of changing the UI screen displayed on a terminal device.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an instruction screen.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a standby screen.

[0018] Figure 8 This is an illustration showing an example of a start notification screen.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of reading a delegate screen.

[0020] Figure 10 A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process of establishing a wireless connection between a communication device and an access point.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process flow from the provision of bootstrapping guidance information to the communication device in a modified example.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a table summarizing the relationship between the judgment results and the determined bootstrapping methods.

[0023] Figure 13 A block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a computer in a communication device, terminal device, or access point. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same elements are labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted as needed. Moreover, for the purpose of explaining illustrative embodiments, not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessarily necessary, and some features or steps may be omitted. Furthermore, the order of steps described in any one drawing may be appropriately changed.

[0025] Implementation Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an information processing system 1, which includes a communication device 100 and a terminal device 200, according to an embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 1 may also include an access point (AP). The communication device 100 and the access point (AP) are devices installed in a designated location. In contrast, the terminal device 200 is a device carried by the user U and capable of moving with the user U.

[0026] In this embodiment, the communication device 100, the terminal device 200, and the access point AP are all devices equipped with Wi-Fi Easy Connect functionality. In this embodiment, the terminal device 200 is a device that has access point information. The terminal device 200 can also be a terminal that has already established a wireless communication connection with the access point AP. In contrast, the communication device 100 is a device that does not yet have access point information. That is, the communication device 100 is a device that has not yet established a wireless communication connection with the access point AP. Here, access point information refers to information required to establish a wireless communication connection with the access point AP. Specifically, access point information is information referred to as a configuration object in DPP. Access point information may include, for example, at least one of the access point AP's SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password. However, access point information only needs to be information required to establish a wireless communication connection with the access point AP; it may replace the SSID or password, or include other information along with the SSID or password. Furthermore, the access point AP is specifically, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router.

[0027] In this embodiment, access point information is sent from terminal device 200 to communication device 100 in the order specified by DPP. Thus, communication device 100 can establish a wireless communication connection with the access point (AP). In this embodiment, terminal device 200 operates as a configurator specified by DPP, and communication device 100 operates as an enrollee specified by DPP.

[0028] Although the communication device 100 in this embodiment is a printer that prints information on a medium such as paper, the communication device 100 can be any device with communication function and does not necessarily have to be a printer.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the communication device 100. (See diagram for example.) Figure 2 As shown, the communication device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a printing unit 120, a UI (user interface) unit 130, and a control unit 150.

[0030] The communication unit 110 is a hardware circuit for wireless communication with other devices based on a specified communication standard, and may also include software such as firmware. The communication unit 110 includes a WF wireless communication unit 111 and a BT wireless communication unit 112.

[0031] The WF wireless communication unit 111 is a circuit that performs communication according to a first wireless communication standard. That is, the WF wireless communication unit 111 transmits information or receives information according to the first wireless communication standard. In this embodiment, specifically, the WF wireless communication unit 111 performs wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard.

[0032] The BT wireless communication unit 112 is a circuit that communicates according to a second wireless communication standard. That is, the BT wireless communication unit 112 transmits information or receives information according to the second wireless communication standard. In this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 112 performs communication according to the Bluetooth standard, i.e., Bluetooth communication. More specifically, in this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 112 performs wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard, which is a power-saving standard for Bluetooth.

[0033] The printing unit 120 includes a mechanical structure for printing on a medium, namely a printing engine. Although this embodiment describes an inkjet printing structure as the structure of the printing unit 120, the printing unit 120 may also include a printing engine configured to perform printing using color materials (toners) in an electrophotographic manner. Furthermore, while the medium may be, for example, paper, it may also be cloth or the like.

[0034] In this embodiment, the printing unit 120, as a printing engine, includes, for example, a print head that ejects color material onto the medium. The print head uses the supplied color material (specifically, ink) to perform inkjet printing. In addition to the print head, the printing engine may also include a medium receiver for storing the medium, a transport mechanism for conveying the medium from the medium receiver to a position opposite the print head, and a drive mechanism for driving a carriage including the print head. In this case, the printing unit 120 prints information such as images onto the medium by ejecting color material from the print head onto the medium transported by the transport mechanism.

[0035] Furthermore, since the printing unit 120 can display information to the user U near the communication device 100 by printing information on a medium at the location where the communication device 100 is installed, it can also be called a notification unit.

[0036] The UI unit 130 is a structural element that functions as a user interface. In this embodiment, the UI unit 130 includes a display. Furthermore, since the UI unit 130, which includes a display, can display information at the location where the communication device 100 is installed, thereby prompting the user U near the communication device 100, it can also be called a prompting unit. The UI unit 130 may also include an input device such as a button or a pointing device that accepts input operations from the user U. Alternatively, the UI unit 130 may be a touch panel in which the input device and the display are integrated.

[0037] The control unit 150 controls the operation of the communication device 100. Specifically, it includes functions for establishing a wireless communication connection between the external access point (AP) of the communication device 100 and the WF wireless communication unit 111, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 150 includes a determination unit 151 and a wireless setting unit 152. The determination unit 151 determines whether the strength of the signal received by the BT wireless communication unit 112 from the terminal device 200 is above a predetermined threshold. As described later, the terminal device 200 transmits a signal according to a predetermined wireless communication standard (Bluetooth standard) based on an instruction from the user U. Specifically, when the user U operates button B (see below)... Figure 6 When the signal is received, the terminal device 200 sends the signal (i.e., the Bluetooth signal). This signal is, for example, a signal in a specified format, indicating that it is sent according to a specific instruction from the user U. The determination unit 151, for example, obtains the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) of the signal received by the BT wireless communication unit 112 in the specified format. Then, the determination unit 151 compares the RSSI with a predetermined threshold used to determine whether the device that transmits the signal (i.e., the source of the signal) is farther from the communication device 100 than a predetermined distance.

[0038] Generally, as the distance between the signal transmitting device and the signal receiving device increases, the RSSI of the signal received by the receiving device weakens. Therefore, by determining whether the RSSI is above a threshold, it is possible to determine whether the device transmitting the signal (in this case, the terminal device 200) is farther from the communication device 100 than a predetermined distance. That is, by comparing the RSSI and the threshold, it is possible to determine whether the distance between the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100 is above a distance allowed as the travel distance of the user U. The specific value of the threshold may be, for example, the received signal strength of the signal measured by the receiving device when the receiving device is located only a predetermined distance away from the signal transmitting device (a distance allowed as the travel distance of the user U). In this way, the determination unit 151 determines whether the terminal device 200 is located more than a predetermined distance away from the communication device 100 by determining whether the strength of the signal transmitted from the terminal device 200 according to a specific instruction from the user U is above the threshold. That is, if the strength of the received signal is above a threshold, the determination unit 151 determines that the terminal device 200 is located at a position more than a predetermined distance away from the communication device 100. Conversely, if the strength of the received signal is less than the threshold, the determination unit 151 determines that the terminal device 200 is located at a position less than a predetermined distance away from the communication device 100.

[0039] The wireless setting unit 152 performs the wireless setting process in the communication device 100. That is, the wireless setting unit 152 performs the process for establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point (AP) and the WF wireless communication unit 111. Specifically, in this embodiment, the wireless setting unit 152 establishes the wireless communication connection between the access point (AP) and the WF wireless communication unit 111 according to the order specified in DPP (Wi-Fi Easy Connect). Therefore, the wireless setting unit 152 obtains the access point information used in establishing the wireless communication connection between the access point (AP) and the WF wireless communication unit 111 from another device that has access point information (in this embodiment, the terminal device 200).

[0040] In DPP, the process of obtaining access point information consists of three stages. Specifically, the process by which a device acting as a joiner obtains access point information (i.e., the configuration object) from a device acting as a configurator includes three stages: bootstrapping, authentication, and configuration.

[0041] Bootstrapping is the process by which a participant provides specified information to the configurator. This specified information is required by the configurator to initiate communication with the participant during the subsequent authentication phase. Specifically, it includes a bootstrapping key specified by the DPP. The bootstrapping key is the participant's public key. In other words, the specified information is what the terminal device 200 (configurator) needs to provide to the communication device 100 in order for the WF wireless communication unit 111 (i.e., as a participant in the communication device 100) to initiate communication with the communication device 100 in a specified communication sequence for receiving access point information from the terminal device 200. In other words, the specified information can be said to be what the communication device 100 needs to provide to the terminal device 200 in order to enable the execution of the specified communication (the authentication phase communication described later) implemented by the terminal device 200. Additionally, the specified information may also include information such as the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the communication device 100. In the following text, the information provided by the joiner to the configurator during the bootstrap phase specified by the DPP will also be referred to as bootstrap information.

[0042] As a method for providing information as specified in the bootloader, it can be provided via communication implemented using the Bluetooth standard or via a QR code (registered trademark). In contrast, communication between the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100 during the authentication and configuration phases is performed according to the Wi-Fi standard. That is, during the authentication and configuration phases, the communication device 100 communicates with the terminal device 200 using the Wi-Fi wireless communication unit 111.

[0043] Authentication is the process by which the configurator (terminal device 200) and the joiner (communication device 100) mutually authenticate each other and generate a shared key used for encryption in the transmission of the configured object. That is, in this stage, a key is generated for encrypting access point information. The terminal device 200 and the communication device 100 (wireless setting unit 152) each generate a shared key based on, for example, ECDH (Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman). In the authentication stage, firstly, the terminal device 200, acting as the configurator, sends a signal called a DPP authentication request to the communication device 100, acting as the joiner. This signal contains a message generated using specified information obtained from the communication device 100 during the bootstrapping phase. Therefore, as described above, the specified information is what the terminal device 200 needs to provide to the communication device 100 in order to initiate communication (DPP authentication request) with the communication device 100 according to a specified communication sequence. Additionally, during the authentication phase, after the DPP authentication request is sent, the joiner sends a signal called the DPP Authentication Response to the configurator. Finally, a signal called the DPP Authentication Confirm is sent from the configurator to the joiner.

[0044] Configuration is the process of sending access point information (configuration objects) from the configurator to the joiner via encrypted communication using a shared key generated during the authentication phase. Specifically, during the configuration phase, the joiner's communication device 100 first sends a signal called a DPP configuration request to the configurator's terminal device 200. In response, the configurator sends a signal called a DPP configuration response to the joiner. This DPP configuration response contains the access point information (configuration objects).

[0045] As described above, bootstrapping is required for the communication device 100 to obtain access point information from the terminal device 200. That is, bootstrapping information (prescribed information) needs to be provided from the communication device 100 to the terminal device 200. In recent years, QR codes and similar code images have become widely used, and the procedures for using code images are familiar to many users U. Therefore, it is preferable that the communication device 100 displays a code image including bootstrapping information, and that the bootstrapping information is provided to the terminal device 200 in the order that the terminal device 200 reads the code image through the user U's operation. In contrast, in the provision of bootstrapping information implemented by Bluetooth communication according to the BLE standard, processing is advanced by information transmission via invisible radio waves, making it difficult for the user U to know the progress of the processing. Furthermore, in order to implement the provision of bootstrapping information implemented by Bluetooth communication according to the BLE standard, sometimes the user U needs to perform an unfamiliar commitment operation with the terminal device 200 beforehand to commit to the implementation of this communication. For these reasons, from a user-friendly perspective, providing boot information via Bluetooth communication is less efficient than providing it via reading a code image. In this context, it is desirable that boot information be provided primarily through the output of a code image. However, when the distance from the user's location (i.e., the terminal device 200) to the communication device 100 is long, reading a code image would force the user to move considerably; therefore, in such cases, providing boot information via Bluetooth communication is preferable. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wireless setting unit 152 switches the boot information provision method based on the determination result of the determination unit 151.

[0046] As part of the bootstrapping process defined by DPP, the wireless setting unit 152 controls the prompting or transmission of prescribed information (bootstrapping information). The prescribed information can be displayed by the UI unit 130 or printed by the printing unit 120. Specifically, when the determination unit 151 determines that the signal strength received from the terminal device 200 is above a threshold, the wireless setting unit 152 prompts the UI unit 130 or the printing unit 120 to display the prescribed information (bootstrapping information). Specifically, the wireless setting unit 152 generates an image of a QR code or other two-dimensional code that encodes the prescribed information and displays the image on the UI unit 130. Alternatively, the wireless setting unit 152 instructs the printing unit 120 to print the generated QR code image. Furthermore, when the determination unit 151 determines that the signal strength received from the terminal device 200 is below a threshold, the wireless setting unit 152 instructs the BT wireless communication unit 112 to transmit the prescribed information (bootstrapping information). Therefore, in this case, in this embodiment, the specified information is sent to the terminal device 200 via BLE communication. This allows bootstrapping to be implemented while avoiding long-distance travel for the user. Furthermore, the BT wireless communication unit 112 repeatedly transmits the specified information (bootstrapping information) at predetermined time intervals, for example.

[0047] In this manner, in this embodiment, bootstrapping is performed based on the determination result of the determination unit 151. After bootstrapping is performed, when the WF wireless communication unit 111 receives the authentication phase signal from the terminal device 200, the wireless setting unit 152 performs the authentication phase and configuration phase processing according to the order specified by the DPP. As a result, the wireless setting unit 152 obtains access point information from the terminal device 200. When obtaining the access point information, the wireless setting unit 152 uses the obtained access point information to perform the process of establishing a wireless communication connection with the access point AP.

[0048] Next, the terminal device 200 will be described. The terminal device 200 is a device carried and operated by the user U, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or personal computer. Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the terminal device 200. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, the terminal device 200 includes a UI unit 210, a communication unit 220, a code reading unit 230, and a control unit 250.

[0049] UI unit 210 is a structural element that functions as a user interface. Specifically, UI unit 210 is a user interface device that includes an input device such as a button or pointing device that accepts input operations from the user U and a display. Alternatively, UI unit 210 may be a touch panel that integrates the input device and the display.

[0050] The communication unit 220 is a hardware circuit for implementing wireless communication with other devices based on a specified communication standard, and may also include software such as firmware. The communication unit 220 includes a WF wireless communication unit 221 and a BT wireless communication unit 222.

[0051] The WF wireless communication unit 221 is a circuit that performs communication according to the first wireless communication standard described above. Specifically, the WF wireless communication unit 221 performs wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard.

[0052] The BT wireless communication unit 222 is a circuit that performs communication according to the second wireless communication standard described above. In this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 222 performs communication according to the Bluetooth standard, i.e., Bluetooth communication. More specifically, in this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 222 performs wireless communication according to the BLE standard.

[0053] The code reading unit 230 is a reader that reads code images such as QR codes. While the code reading unit 230 may include, for example, a camera as hardware for reading, it may also include a scanner. The code reading unit 230 decodes the captured or scanned code image to read the information represented by the code image. Therefore, the code reading unit 230 is capable of reading code images of bootstrapping information displayed (or printed) by the communication device 100.

[0054] The control unit 250 controls the operation of the terminal device 200. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 250 has a setting auxiliary unit 251.

[0055] The setup assistance unit 251 performs processing to assist in setting up wireless communication in the communication device 100. Specifically, the setup assistance unit 251 performs a prescribed process for sending access point information to the communication device 100. In this embodiment, the setup assistance unit 251 sends the access point information to the communication device 100 using the WF wireless communication unit 221 in the order prescribed by DPP. Specifically, the setup assistance unit 251 begins the prescribed process for sending access point information to the communication device 100 when the code reading unit 230 reads a code image containing bootstrapping information, or when the BT wireless communication unit 222 receives bootstrapping information. That is, when the terminal device 200 obtains the prescribed information (bootstrapping information) provided by the communication device 100, the setup assistance unit 251 begins the DPP authentication phase processing. Thereafter, the setup assistance unit 251 performs the DPP configuration phase processing, thereby sending the access point information to the communication device 100.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the setting assistance unit 251 performs the processing of displaying a UI screen (user interface screen) on the UI unit 210 to assist in wireless setting in the communication device 100. Additionally, details of the UI screen displayed on the UI unit 210 of the terminal device 200 for assisting in wireless setting in the communication device 100 will be provided in reference [reference needed]. Figures 5 to 9 This will be described later. Furthermore, if the setting assist unit 251 has received a specific instruction described later, it will cause the BT wireless communication unit 222 to send a specified Bluetooth signal. This signal is used to determine the distance between the communication device 100 and the terminal device 200.

[0057] Next, the process of processing the bootstrap information from the communication device 100 to the terminal device 200 will be described. Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process flow up to the implementation of providing bootstrapping information. The following is a reference... Figure 4 The process of this treatment will also be explained.

[0058] In step S100, the wireless setting unit 152 of the communication device 100 causes the BT wireless communication unit 112 to start scanning for Bluetooth signals. For example, the wireless setting unit 152 causes the BT wireless communication unit 112 to start scanning for Bluetooth signals when the wireless connection setting of the communication device 100 has not yet been implemented, that is, when the communication device 100 has not yet established a wireless communication connection with the access point AP.

[0059] Next, in step S101, the setting assistance unit 251 of the terminal device 200 receives a specific instruction from the user U. This specific instruction may be, for example, an instruction to use DPP to establish a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and the access point AP, and may be, for example, by the user U pressing button B (described later). Figure 6 Therefore, it was assigned to the auxiliary department 251.

[0060] In step S102, the setting assistance unit 251 of the terminal device 200, in response to the acceptance of the instruction, causes the BT wireless communication unit 222 to send a prescribed Bluetooth signal. Therefore, the BT wireless communication unit 222 sends a signal according to the Bluetooth standard. For example, this signal is a signal in a prescribed format that notifies the receiving device that the instruction has been accepted, i.e., that the instruction has been input into the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the signal sent in this step may also be a beacon signal according to the BLE standard.

[0061] Furthermore, in step S103, if the setting assistance unit 251 of the terminal device 200 has accepted the above-mentioned instruction, the UI unit 210 of the terminal device 200 will display the prescribed standby screen (see reference). Figure 7 Therefore, the UI unit 210 displays the standby screen. Additionally, although in Figure 4 The sequence diagram illustrates these steps in such a way that step S103 is performed after step S102, but these steps can be performed in reverse order or simultaneously.

[0062] On the other hand, when the BT wireless communication unit 112 of the communication device 100 receives the signal transmitted in step S102, in step S104, the determination unit 151 of the communication device 100 performs a distance determination based on the strength of the received signal. That is, the determination unit 151 determines whether the terminal device 200 is located at a position more than a predetermined distance away from the communication device 100 by determining whether the strength of the received signal is above a threshold.

[0063] Next, in step S105, the wireless setting unit 152 of the communication device 100 determines the bootstrap method based on the determination result in step S104. That is, if the wireless setting unit 152 determines that the strength of the received signal is above a threshold, it determines to provide bootstrap information to the UI unit 130 or the printing unit 120, thereby deciding to provide the information to the terminal device 200. Conversely, if the wireless setting unit 152 determines that the strength of the received signal is below a threshold, it determines to provide bootstrap information to the BT wireless communication unit 112, thereby deciding to provide the information to the terminal device 200.

[0064] Subsequently, in step S106, the communication device 100 provides bootstrapping information to the terminal device 200 using the method determined in step S105. Then, when the terminal device 200 reads a code image including the bootstrapping information, or when the terminal device 200 receives the bootstrapping information via BLE communication, the bootstrapping phase processing ends. When the terminal device 200 obtains the bootstrapping information, the setup assistance unit 251 of the terminal device 200 begins communication according to the communication sequence specified by the DPP using the WF wireless communication unit 221. That is, the setup assistance unit 251 begins communication during the authentication phase.

[0065] Next, we will describe the UI screen displayed on the terminal device 200 that assists in wireless settings in the communication device 100. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of changing the UI screen displayed on the terminal device 200. The following is a reference to... Figure 5At the same time, the transformation of the UI screen used to assist in wireless settings in the communication device 100 will be explained.

[0066] First, in step S200, the auxiliary unit 251 sets the UI unit 210 to display an instruction acceptance screen for accepting instructions from the user. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an instruction acceptance screen displayed on the UI unit 210 of the terminal device 200. Figure 6 In the example shown, the instruction acceptance screen includes a button B for instructing the communication device 100 to establish a wireless communication connection with the access point AP using DPP. With the instruction acceptance screen displayed, the process proceeds to step S201.

[0067] Next, in step S201, the setting assistance unit 251 determines whether the aforementioned instruction has been accepted. That is, the setting assistance unit 251 determines whether the user U has operated (pressed) button B. An instruction acceptance screen is displayed until button B is operated. However, if an operation other than button B is performed, the screen can change from the instruction acceptance screen to any screen corresponding to that operation. When button B is operated, the process proceeds to step S202. Additionally, as referenced... Figure 4 As illustrated in the sequence diagram, when button B is operated, the setting assist unit 251 causes the BT wireless communication unit 222 to send a specified Bluetooth signal. As described above, this signal is used to determine the distance between the communication device 100 and the terminal device 200.

[0068] In step S202, the setting auxiliary unit 251 causes the UI unit 210 to display a standby screen indicating that the user has instructed the user to put the device into standby mode. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the standby screen displayed on the UI unit 210 of the terminal device 200. When the standby screen is displayed, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0069] In step S203, the setting assist unit 251 determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed since the signal was sent according to the operation of button B. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the signal was sent, the process proceeds to step S204. Conversely, if the predetermined time has elapsed since the signal was sent, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0070] In step S204, the setting assistance unit 251 determines whether bootloader information sent from the communication device 100 has been received. As described above, if the communication device 100 determines that the terminal device 200 is located at a distance from the communication device 100, it sends a Bluetooth signal containing bootloader information. Therefore, in this case, the terminal device 200 receives the bootloader information sent from the communication device 100. On the other hand, if the communication device 100 determines that the terminal device 200 is located closer to the communication device 100 than a predetermined distance, it does not send a Bluetooth signal containing bootloader information, but instead displays or prints a code image containing that information. Therefore, in this case, the terminal device 200 does not receive the bootloader information sent from the communication device 100. If the BT wireless communication unit 222 of the terminal device 200 receives a signal containing bootloader information, the process proceeds to step S205. If the BT wireless communication unit 222 of the terminal device 200 does not receive a signal containing bootloader information, the process returns to step S202, and the display of the standby screen continues.

[0071] In step S205, the setting auxiliary unit 251 causes the UI unit 210 to display a start notification screen that notifies the user that the process for establishing a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and the access point AP has begun. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a start notification screen displayed on the UI unit 210 of the terminal device 200. In this manner, in this embodiment, the setup assistance unit 251 of the terminal device 200, in response to receiving bootstrapping information sent from the communication device 100, notifies the user that the process for establishing a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and the access point AP has begun. Thus, the user can be aware that the connection process is proceeding appropriately.

[0072] In contrast, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the terminal device 200 has not received a signal containing bootstrapping information, in step S206, the setting assistance unit 251 causes the UI unit 210 to display a read request screen. The read request screen is a screen that authorizes the user U to read the code image (bootstrapping information) prompted by the communication device 100. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a read request screen displayed on the UI unit 210 of the terminal device 200. In this manner, in this embodiment, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the terminal device 200 has not received bootstrapping information, the setting assistance unit 251 of the terminal device 200 will notify the user to perform an action to have the terminal device 200 read the bootstrapping information prompted by the communication device 100. Therefore, bootstrapping performed by reading code images can be reliably completed.

[0073] Furthermore, due to reasons such as communication congestion, it is unlikely that the terminal device 200 will receive the bootstrapping information sent from the communication device 100 after a predetermined time has elapsed. To address this situation, alternative solutions can be implemented as follows: Figure 5 As shown, when the loading screen is displayed, the process is transferred to step S207. In step S207, the same process as in step S204 is performed. Then, when the terminal device 200 receives a signal containing bootstrapping information, the process is transferred to step S205, and the UI unit 210 displays... Figure 8 The start notification screen is as shown. If the terminal device 200 does not receive a signal containing bootstrapping information, the process returns to step S206 and continues. Figure 9 The loading screen shown is for reading the commission.

[0074] Next, the process of establishing a wireless connection between the communication device 100 and the access point AP will be explained. Figure 10 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process by which communication device 100 establishes a wireless connection with access point AP. The following is a reference to... Figure 10 At the same time, the procedure for this action will be explained.

[0075] In step S10, as described above, the bootstrapping phase of DPP is processed, and the specified information (bootstrapping information) is provided from the communication device 100 to the terminal device 200.

[0076] Next, in step S20, the DPP authentication phase is performed between the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100. This generates a key for transmitting access point information via encrypted communication.

[0077] Next, in step S30, the configuration phase of DPP is performed between the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100. As a result, access point information is transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the communication device 100.

[0078] Subsequently, in step S40, the communication device 100 uses the access point information to establish a wireless connection with the access point AP (a wireless communication connection according to the Wi-Fi standard). In other words, in step S40, the communication device 100 uses the access point information to join the LAN that uses the access point AP.

[0079] In this manner, in this embodiment, the prescribed information (bootstrapping guidance information) is provided using a method corresponding to the determination result of the determination unit 151. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately switch between a method preferred from a user-friendly perspective (i.e., code image prompts) and a method preferred from the perspective of reducing the burden of movement for the user (i.e., sending the prescribed information). Therefore, according to this embodiment, a wireless setup method that is easy for the user to use can be realized.

[0080] Variations of the implementation method Next, variations of the implementation will be described. Although in the above-described implementation, the wireless setting unit 152 of the communication device 100 determines the bootstrap method solely based on the distance between the communication device 100 and the terminal device 200 inferred from the strength of the received signal, the wireless setting unit 152 may also use other information to determine the bootstrap method. Therefore, in the following description, as a variation, an example of a method that also uses other information to determine the bootstrap method will be specifically described.

[0081] For example, before the aforementioned three-stage DPP processing implemented between terminal device 200 and communication device 100, sometimes the three-stage DPP processing is implemented between terminal device 200 and access point AP. Here, the three-stage DPP processing refers to the processing consisting of bootstrapping, authentication, and configuration as defined by DPP. In the three-stage DPP processing implemented between terminal device 200 and access point AP, a configuration object is sent from terminal device 200 to access point AP. The configuration object sent from terminal device 200 to access point AP is information referenced by access point AP when communication device 100, which has obtained access point information from terminal device 200, establishes a wireless connection with access point AP. The configuration object sent from terminal device 200 to access point AP can also be referred to as reference information. In this way, terminal device 200 can perform the three-stage DPP processing not only with communication device 100 but also with access point AP. In this scenario, terminal device 200 needs to obtain boot information from access point AP and boot information from communication device 100. If the methods for obtaining these information differ, it may lead to a complicated or confusing experience for the user. Therefore, it is preferable for the user to use a unified method. Thus, in this variation, a communication device is specifically described that can appropriately determine which method to use to provide boot information from communication device 100 when obtaining both boot information using a unified method. That is, in this variation, a communication device is described that can appropriately determine which of the first and second provided combinations to allow terminal device 200 to obtain both boot information. Here, the first provided combination is a combination where both boot information from access point AP and boot information from communication device 100 are provided as code images. Furthermore, the second provided combination is a combination where both boot information from access point AP and boot information from communication device 100 are provided via Bluetooth communication (BLE communication).

[0082] Figure 11 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process flow up to the provision of bootstrapping guidance information to communication device 100 in a modified example. Additionally, in this modified example, as... Figure 11 As shown, suppose an image C, such as a QR code, is pasted onto the access point (AP) and encoded with the AP's bootstrap information. Furthermore, as... Figure 11As shown in step S300, the access point (AP) is configured to repeatedly transmit Bluetooth signals containing boot information at predetermined time intervals. In this way, the access point (AP) is in a state where it can provide boot information via code images or via Bluetooth signals.

[0083] Figure 11 The sequence diagram shown is similar to the following aspects: Figure 4 The sequence diagram shown is different; that is, steps S300 and S301 are added, and step S105 is replaced by step S302. Hereinafter, with reference to... Figure 11 At the same time, the process for determining the method of providing bootstrapping guidance information in the variant examples is explained.

[0084] In step S100, the wireless setting unit 152 of the communication device 100, which has not yet established a wireless communication connection with the access point AP, causes the BT wireless communication unit 112 to begin scanning for Bluetooth signals. Furthermore, as described above, in step S300, the access point AP repeatedly transmits Bluetooth signals containing bootstrapping information.

[0085] When the BT wireless communication unit 112 of the communication device 100 receives a Bluetooth signal from the access point AP, in step S301, the determination unit 151 of the communication device 100 performs a distance determination based on the strength of the received signal. That is, the determination unit 151 determines whether the access point AP is located at a position more than a predetermined distance away from the communication device 100 by determining whether the strength of the received signal is above a threshold. Furthermore, this step can be performed at the same timing as step S104, which determines the distance between the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100, or it can be performed later than the timing of step S104.

[0086] Furthermore, in step S101, when the setup assistance unit 251 of the terminal device 200 receives an instruction from the user U to use DPP to establish a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and the access point AP, in step S102, the setup assistance unit 251 causes the BT wireless communication unit 222 to send a Bluetooth signal. Furthermore, in step S103, if the setup assistance unit 251 of the terminal device 200 has received the instruction, it causes the UI unit 210 of the terminal device 200 to display a predetermined standby screen.

[0087] When the BT wireless communication unit 112 of the communication device 100 receives the signal transmitted in step S102, in step S104, the determination unit 151 of the communication device 100 performs a distance determination based on the strength of the signal received from the terminal device 200. That is, the determination unit 151 determines whether the terminal device 200 is located at a position more than a predetermined distance away from the communication device 100 by determining whether the strength of the received signal is above a threshold.

[0088] Next, in step S302, the wireless setting unit 152 of the communication device 100 determines the bootstrap method based on the determination results in step S301 and step S104. Furthermore, regarding the determination in this step, refer to... Figure 12 The following will be described in conjunction with step S302. After step S302, in step S106, the communication device 100 provides bootstrapping information to the terminal device 200 through the method determined in step S302.

[0089] Figure 12 This table summarizes the relationship between the determination results and the determined bootstrapping methods in the modified examples. In this modified example, when it is determined that the signal strength (hereinafter referred to as the first strength) from the terminal device 200 is above a threshold and the signal strength (hereinafter referred to as the second strength) from the access point AP is also above a threshold, the wireless setting unit 152 decides to provide bootstrapping information via a code image. That is, when the distance between the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100 is relatively close, and the distance between the access point AP and the communication device 100 is also relatively close, the wireless setting unit 152 decides to provide bootstrapping information to the terminal device 200 by prompting the UI unit 130 or the printing unit 120. Therefore, in this case, the user U performs the reading of the coded image of the access point AP and the reading of the coded image prompted by the communication device 100. When the code image of the access point AP is read, the setting assistance unit 251 performs three-stage processing of DPP between itself and the access point AP. Then, when the code image of the communication device 100 is read, the setting assistance unit 251 performs three-stage processing of DPP with the communication device 100. Alternatively, in this modified example, the setting assistance unit 251 of the terminal device 200 can also display a screen on the UI unit 210 showing the reading of the code image requested from the user U for access point AP and the reading of the code image prompted by the communication device 100.

[0090] In addition, such as Figure 12As shown, in this modified example, if it is determined that at least one of the signal strength (first strength) from the terminal device 200 and the signal strength (second strength) from the access point AP is less than a threshold, the wireless setting unit 152 makes the following decision. That is, in this case, the wireless setting unit 152 decides to provide bootstrapping information to the terminal device 200 by having the BT wireless communication unit 112 send bootstrapping information. Specifically, if it is determined that at least one of the distance between the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100 or the distance between the access point AP and the communication device 100 is greater than a predetermined distance, the wireless setting unit 152 decides to provide bootstrapping information to the terminal device 200 via a Bluetooth signal. In such a case, if the user U is required to read two code images, the user U may have to move a considerable distance when reading the code image from the access point AP and then the code image from the communication device 100. Therefore, in such a case, the wireless setting unit 152 provides bootstrapping information to the terminal device 200 in a method that does not require the user U to move. Furthermore, in this modified example, when the setup assistance unit 251 of the terminal device 200 receives a Bluetooth signal containing boot information from the communication device 100, it performs the following processing, for example: In this case, the setup assistance unit 251 receives the Bluetooth signal containing boot information that is repeatedly transmitted from the access point AP, and uses this information to perform the three-stage processing of DPP with the access point AP. Thereafter, the setup assistance unit 251 uses the boot information received from the communication device 100 to perform the three-stage processing of DPP with the communication device 100.

[0091] As explained above, in this modified example, the determination unit 151 of the communication device 100 further determines whether the strength of the signal received by the BT wireless communication unit 112 from the access point AP is above a threshold. Then, the wireless setting unit 152 of the communication device 100 uses both the determination result of whether the strength of the signal received from the terminal device 200 is above the threshold and the determination result of whether the strength of the signal received from the access point AP is above the threshold to decide whether to prompt boot guidance information or to send boot guidance information using the BT wireless communication unit 112. More specifically, if the wireless setting unit 152 determines that both the first strength and the second strength are above the threshold, it causes the UI unit 130 or the printing unit 120 to prompt boot guidance information. On the other hand, if the wireless setting unit 152 determines that at least one of the first strength and the second strength is below the threshold, it causes the BT wireless communication unit 112 to send boot guidance information. Here, the first strength is the strength of the signal received by the communication device 100 from the terminal device 200, and the second strength is the strength of the signal received by the communication device 100 from the access point AP. Based on this structure, even when two bootstrapping information needs to be obtained, a wireless setup method that takes into account the user's mobility burden can be implemented.

[0092] Furthermore, in the aforementioned variation, the determination unit 151 uses the strength of a Bluetooth signal containing bootstrapping information transmitted by the access point AP to determine the distance between the communication device 100 and the access point AP. However, if the access point AP transmits other Bluetooth signals, the determination unit 151 may also use the strength of such signals to determine the distance between the communication device 100 and the access point AP. Additionally, the determination unit 151 may also perform the determination based on the strength of a beacon signal according to the BLE standard transmitted from the access point AP.

[0093] Although the implementation methods and variations have been described above, the processing of the communication device 100, the terminal device 200, and the access point AP can also be performed by the computer provided by each device. In addition, the computer can also be configured as a SoC (System on Chip). Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a computer 900 included in a communication device 100, a terminal device 200, or an access point (AP). For example... Figure 13 As shown, computer 900 may have, for example, an input / output interface 901, a memory 902, and a processor 903.

[0094] The input / output interface 901 is used to communicate with any circuit or device.

[0095] The memory 902 is configured, for example, by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 902 is used to store data used in programs executed by the processor 903 and in various processes.

[0096] The processor 903 reads and executes a program from the memory 902, thereby implementing the various processes described in the above embodiments or variations. The processor 903 may also be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Microprocessor Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Furthermore, the processor 903 may include multiple processors.

[0097] The program contains a set of commands (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more functions described in the implementation when read into the computer. The program may also be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. As a non-limiting example, a computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted on a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. As a non-limiting example, a temporary computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0098] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0099] While some or all of the above-described embodiments may be described as in the following notes, they are not limited thereto.

[0100] Postscript 1 An information processing system, comprising: communication devices; A terminal device, carried by the user, that transmits signals according to a prescribed wireless communication standard based on instructions from the user. The communication device has: The first wireless communication unit communicates in accordance with the first wireless communication standard; The second wireless communication unit communicates according to the second wireless communication standard, which is the specified wireless communication standard. The notification department provides notifications or prompts. The determination unit determines whether the strength of the signal received by the second wireless communication unit from the terminal device is above a predetermined threshold. The wireless setting unit, when determined to have an intensity level above the threshold, causes the prompting unit to display prescribed information, and when determined to have an intensity level below the threshold, causes the second wireless communication unit to transmit the prescribed information. The specified information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication in accordance with a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device. The access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

[0101] Appendix 2 The information processing system as described in Appendix 1, wherein, The terminal device has a setting assistance unit that notifies the user of the start of a process for establishing a wireless communication connection between the communication device and the access point based on the received information from the communication device.

[0102] Appendix 3 The information processing system as described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein, The terminal device has a setting assistance unit that, when the terminal device remains in a state of not receiving the specified information and a specified time has elapsed since the signal was sent, implements a notification prompting the user to perform an action to make the terminal device read the specified information prompted by the communication device.

[0103] Appendix 4 The information processing system as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein, The determination unit also determines whether the strength of the signal received by the second wireless communication unit from the access point is above the threshold. In addition to using the determination result of whether the strength of the signal received from the terminal device is above the threshold, the wireless setting unit also uses the determination result of whether the strength of the signal received from the access point is above the threshold to decide whether to have the prompting unit prompt the prescribed information or to have the second wireless communication unit send the prescribed information.

[0104] Appendix 5 The information processing system as described in Appendix 4, wherein... When the wireless setting unit determines that both the first strength and the second strength are above the threshold, it causes the prompting unit to display the prescribed information; and when it determines that at least one of the first strength and the second strength is below the threshold, it causes the second wireless communication unit to transmit the prescribed information. The first strength is the strength of the signal received from the terminal device. The second strength is the strength of the signal received from the access point.

[0105] Appendix 6 The information processing system as described in any one of 1 to 5, wherein, The specified information is information provided to the configurator from the joiner during the bootstrapping phase defined by the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP).

[0106] Postscript 7 A communication device, comprising: The first wireless communication unit communicates in accordance with the first wireless communication standard; The second wireless communication unit communicates in accordance with the second wireless communication standard; The notification department provides notifications or prompts. The determination unit determines whether the strength of the signal received by the second wireless communication unit from the terminal device carried by the user is above a predetermined threshold. The wireless setting unit, when determined to have an intensity level above the threshold, causes the prompting unit to display prescribed information, and when determined to have an intensity level below the threshold, causes the second wireless communication unit to transmit the prescribed information. The specified information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication in accordance with a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device. The access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

[0107] Postscript 8 One processing method, wherein, A communication device having a first wireless communication unit that communicates according to a first wireless communication standard, a second wireless communication unit that communicates according to a second wireless communication standard, and a prompting unit for prompting information performs the following processing: The system determines whether the strength of the signal received by the second wireless communication unit from the terminal device carried by the user is above a predetermined threshold. If the intensity is determined to be above the threshold, the prompting unit displays specified information; if the intensity is determined to be below the threshold, the second wireless communication unit transmits the specified information. The specified information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication in accordance with a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device. The access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

[0108] Symbol Explanation 1…Information processing system, 100…Communication device, 110…Communication unit, 111…WF wireless communication unit, 112…BT wireless communication unit, 120…Printing unit, 130…UI unit, 150…Control unit, 151…Decision unit, 152…Wireless setting unit, 200…Terminal device, 210…UI unit, 220…Communication unit, 221…WF wireless communication unit, 222…BT wireless communication unit, 230…Code reading unit, 250…Control unit, 251…Setting assistance unit, 900…Computer, 901…Input / output interface, 902…Memory, 903…Processor, AP…Access point, B…Button, C…Code image, U…User.

Claims

1. An information processing system, comprising: communication devices; A terminal device, carried by the user, that transmits signals according to a prescribed wireless communication standard based on instructions from the user. The communication device has: The first wireless communication unit communicates in accordance with the first wireless communication standard; The second wireless communication unit communicates according to the second wireless communication standard, which is the specified wireless communication standard. The notification department provides notifications or prompts. The determination unit determines whether the strength of the signal received by the second wireless communication unit from the terminal device is above a predetermined threshold. The wireless setting unit, when determined to have an intensity level above the threshold, causes the prompting unit to display prescribed information, and when determined to have an intensity level below the threshold, causes the second wireless communication unit to transmit the prescribed information. The specified information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication in accordance with a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device. The access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

2. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein, The terminal device has a setting assistance unit that notifies the user of the start of a process for establishing a wireless communication connection between the communication device and the access point based on the received information from the communication device.

3. The information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The terminal device has a setting assistance unit that, when the terminal device remains in a state of not receiving the specified information and a specified time has elapsed since the signal was sent, implements a notification prompting the user to perform an action to make the terminal device read the specified information prompted by the communication device.

4. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein, The determination unit also determines whether the strength of the signal received by the second wireless communication unit from the access point is above the threshold. In addition to using the determination result of whether the strength of the signal received from the terminal device is above the threshold, the wireless setting unit also uses the determination result of whether the strength of the signal received from the access point is above the threshold to decide whether to have the prompting unit prompt the prescribed information or to have the second wireless communication unit send the prescribed information.

5. The information processing system as described in claim 4, wherein, When the wireless setting unit determines that both the first strength and the second strength are above the threshold, it causes the prompting unit to display the prescribed information; and when it determines that at least one of the first strength and the second strength is below the threshold, it causes the second wireless communication unit to transmit the prescribed information. The first strength is the strength of the signal received from the terminal device. The second strength is the strength of the signal received from the access point.

6. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein, The specified information is information provided to the configurator from the joiner during the bootstrapping phase as defined by the device configuration protocol.

7. A communication device, comprising: The first wireless communication unit communicates in accordance with the first wireless communication standard; The second wireless communication unit communicates in accordance with the second wireless communication standard; The notification department provides notifications or prompts. The determination unit determines whether the strength of the signal received by the second wireless communication unit from the terminal device carried by the user is above a predetermined threshold. The wireless setting unit, when determined to have an intensity level above the threshold, causes the prompting unit to display prescribed information, and when determined to have an intensity level below the threshold, causes the second wireless communication unit to transmit the prescribed information. The specified information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication in accordance with a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device. The access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

8. A processing method, wherein, A communication device having a first wireless communication unit that communicates according to a first wireless communication standard, a second wireless communication unit that communicates according to a second wireless communication standard, and a prompting unit for prompting information performs the following processing: The system determines whether the strength of the signal received by the second wireless communication unit from the terminal device carried by the user is above a predetermined threshold. If the intensity is determined to be above the threshold, the prompting unit displays the specified information; if the intensity is determined to be below the threshold, the second wireless communication unit transmits the specified information. The specified information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication in accordance with a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device. The access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

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